"It's important to fight in America for the exposure," Hlatshwayo said when asked about having to come to the U.S. for his rematch with Rodriguez. "This is where the most respectable fighters are. This is where I'm going to have to come to fight Cotto and Clottey."

He might want to pay closer attention to his Saturday bout considering Rodriguez sent Hlatshwayo to the mat with a hard right in the ninth round back in South Africa.

But to his credit, Hlatshwayo, the IBO welterweight champion, is a proven and seasoned championship fighter.

The South African is 12-1 in fights where a championship belt is on the line. Rodriguez, the USBA welterweight champion, is just 3-1.

"This is a dream come true," Hlatshwayo said of fighting for the IBF title. "I'm very excited for this fight and this time I'll make the outcome much clearer."

Hlatshwayo, who wouldn't confirm during a Monday phone call that he had made the 20-hour trip to the U.S. yet, also believes he is well prepared for Rodriguez this time.

"We saw some things in (Rodriguez's) fight with Shamone Alvarez," Hlatshwayo's manager and trainer Nick Duran said. "We are very prepared and ready to go home as the IBF champion."